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Sport

Gillingham interim boss Keith Millen remains committed to the job as club chairman Brad Galinson flies in to meet the potential new manager

By: Luke Cawdell lcawdell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 26 October 2023

Gillingham’s midweek win at Swindon could have been interim manager Keith Millen’s last game - but he’s been studying their weekend opposition just incase.

The Gills won an entertaining match 1-0 against their historic rivals on Tuesday night, thanks to Connor Mahoney’s goal, lifting the team back into the League 2 play-off places.

Keith Millen has been in temporary charge at Gillingham since Neil Harris was sacked Picture: @Julian_KPI

Millen’s taken charge of Gillingham’s last four league games, and an EFL Trophy match at Portsmouth, following Neil Harris’ sacking.

The club have narrowed their search for a new manager down to a shortlist and chairman Brad Galinson flew back in from America this week to oversee interviews with the remaining candidates.

“I’ll be planning for Saturday because I haven’t been told any different,” said Millen, ahead of a home game against lowly Newport.

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“There is no such thing as a day off at the moment, that’s for sure!

“I know the chairman is back in the country now and I am sure there are lots of negotiations going on, lots of talks.

“Until I’m told differently I will be trying to think about how we can beat Newport.

“What will be important from now to Saturday will be trying to get some fresh legs again, this has been a big week,

“Saturday’s game the distance running was high and same again (Tuesday), it will be a big ask to go again but when you’ve won away at Swindon, you tend to get a bit more energy come the Thursday.

“Our bench was a bit stronger, I had some good options and it was great to put some experience on with Max (Ehmer) and Shaun Williams, that was brilliant to help the players.

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“We will have a look on Thursday and we will certainly be looking forward to Saturday after winning.”

Millen is no stranger to the interim role. This is the seventh time that he’s been asked to hold the fort between managerial appointments following stints in charge at Bristol City (twice), Crystal Palace (three times) and MK Dons.

The experienced coach had to pick up the baton for Gillingham and lead a dressing room that was left shocked by the decision to dispense of Neil Harris’ services.

Despite the turmoil, Millen has been pleased to see the players respond favourably to his methods.

“The players have been a pleasure to work with,” he added.

“It was difficult, when a manager is liked. I have been in situations where the players have been quite relieved sometimes when the manager has been changed, and that is normally easier to deal with.

“There was a little bit of disappointment and shock and it has not been easy in that respect, but they have responded and listened to what we have tried to do.”

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